The Girl Who Restarted Time

On B University’s campus it was almost October but scorching heat was still lingering. Luckily, a wisp of an autumn breeze had reached the long corridor in the teaching building through the phoenix trees and across the lawn.

Lu Jia’er had on a white gauzy dress. The hemline of her skirt was lifted by the breeze, adding a touch of grace and elegance to her. Several students were gathered around Lu Jia’er who had just finished teaching a class.

Those students were members on the research team for the independent project Lu Jia’er was in charge of.

“Professor Lu, I sent you an analysis report on a mental illness case the day before yesterday. Have you read it yet?” A girl asked Lu Jia’er.

Lu Jia’er, whose life was completely disrupted recently, replied with an apology. “I will take a look this afternoon!”

“Thank you, Professor Lu. I look forward to your comments.” The girl nodded.

Lu Jia’er nodded as a response. Another boy chimed in with his invitation. “Professor Lu, the project lab for our team is ready. Please go and check!”

“Sure!” Lu Jia’er accepted. “Thank you so much for what you have done so far.”

“It’s okay. The other project groups are jealous of us! The robots to harvest big data donated to us by BUA Technology have become popular like pandas on campus!” That boy was not without pride.

Lu Jia’er smiled. The independent research project she was in charge of was in cooperation with BUA Technology. The support given towards both equipment and funding was more than enough.

“I will go and take a look.” Lu Jia’er said.

When Lu Jia’er was about to follow her student to the lab, she heard someone calling her, “Lu!”

Lu Jia’er stopped. She could tell from the voice alone that it was Professor Han Yi. Besides, on campus, few people would address her as Lu. She told her students to go to the lab without her. “Go ahead! I will swing by later!”

The students left. Professor Han Yi came to her. Lu Jia’er greeted him politely. “Professor Han Yi!”

“You have finished your class!” Professor Han Yi said with a smile.

Lu Jia’er nodded. “Yes!”

“A few days ago, you asked for a leave. Were you feeling unwell?” Professor Han Yi was concerned.

Lu Jia’er did not tell him the reason that she was asking for a leave a few days ago. He must have been worried.

Her professor cared about her, which made Lu Jia’er smile. “No, I had some personal business to take care of. Thank you, Professor Han, for granting me the leave!”

She did not go beyond what she should say. But her answer was not enough to settle Professor Han Yi’s mind. “Have you sorted that out?”

Not even close! Where was Su Han transferred to? Could Jason be brought back to life? Besides, there was herself. Could she be completely free from the shackles of the team that created her after she gained consciousness?

“Yes, I have!” Lu Jia’er replied against her will.

Professor Han Yi had further questions. “That day, Deputy Xu from the criminal police unit asked for you so urgently. Was everything fine?”

“Well, he asked me for some favors!” Still, Lu Jia’er did not reveal too much information.

“Has he asked you to assist in another case?” Professor Han Yi wondered. “If so, I have to phone their chief. He is treating you as if you work for him!”

Hearing this, Lu Jia’er hurried to say no at once. “No, it’s not like that, Professor Han. Deputy Xu just asked me to help him with some matters. He didn’t tell me to assist in a case!”

“Okay, good! If they ask you to assist in a case when you are too busy, don’t be afraid to turn them down. Understand?” Professor Han Yi reminded her.

Lu Jia’er nodded. “Yes!”

“Don’t forget to tell me if you need anything!” Professor Han Yi reiterated.

Lu Jia’er nodded again. “Of course!”

Professor Han Yi patted her shoulders before he left. Watching as he went, Lu Jia’er felt warm-hearted. At the same time, she was wondering something.

Of all those years, nobody wondered that she was AI? Was she, as a product, too flawless that nobody around her had detected something wrong? Or… was the world she lived in… an illusion?

When this idea cropped out, Lu Jia’er was freaked out. She looked around. Young students were hurrying past her. A few meters away, the leaves of the phoenix trees were fluttering in the wind. Besides, her nose could pick up a faint trace of the fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus…

Lu Jia’er was not convinced that this was an illusion. She pinched her arm. The painful sensation was passed through to her brain.

How could something so real be an illusion? However, that idea did make her confused. It was as if in her mind, in the darkness, someone was shining a glaring flashlight at her.

Lu Jia’er frowned. She tried to remember what happened in that instant but failed to recall anything.

Right at this moment, her cell phone began to ring, which dragged her back to reality.

What she saw was some girls going past her, the leaves of the phoenix trees spreading in the wind and the fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus was reaching her nose. Her cell phone was ringing nonstop in her bag.

Lu Jia’er reached into her bag and picked up the call. “Ace!”

“Are you in class?” She heard his voice.

“I have just finished my class. Have you arrived safely at home?” Lu Jia’er asked.

“Yes, I have. Is everything okay over there?” Jin Xiangdong went on.

“Yes. It has been quiet since yesterday. Nothing is wrong.” Lu Jia’er replied.

“Good. I have told my father about you.” Jin Xiangdong briefly updated Lu Jia’er about what just happened.

Lu Jia’er was surprised. “What was your father’s reaction?”

“My father has an open mind but he will need to see proof with his own eyes.” Jin Xiangdong said.

Lu Jia’er did not see this coming. “That is it?”

“Well, he is more ready to accept things than others. Besides, I am special! So, I think he must have come to terms with that fact at the very least.” Jin Xiangdong stated.

Lu Jia’er did not know if Jin Xiangdong was trying to be subtle. Was Jin Shengping that calm?

“Your father is so enlightened!” Lu Jia’er exclaimed.

“My father is enlightened indeed. Plus, he has always been my idol. He is composed, wise and very objective in any matter he is faced with.” Jin Xiangdong complimented his father. Of course, those praises were from his heart and they were the fact.

“Mr. Jin is many people’s idol, including me!” Lu Jia’er added.

Jin Xiangdong smiled. “He wants to meet with you.”

“Okay. I will head there this weekend.” Lu Jia’er mentioned.

“I will wait for you. If you notice anything, call me at once.” Jin Xiangdong reminded her.

Lu Jia’er chuckled, “You have planted some agents around me. Are you still worried?”

“You noticed that?” Jin Xiangdong laughed.

“Just now, in my class, there were four unfamiliar people. That is so obvious!” Lu Jia’er pointed out.

“I am worried when I am away from you!” Jin Xiangdong revealed his reason.

Lu Jia’er felt touched. “How is the investigation regarding Su Han?” She asked.

“I have not received a definite answer yet.” Jin Xiangdong said.

“I don’t think you will ever get a definitive answer.” Lu Jia’er’s eyebrows were knitted together.

Jin Xiangdong tried to comfort her. “Generous rewards will rouse one to heroism!”